The role of the captaincy has fitted well with Simon Francis since the departure of Tommy Elphick. He will now be pleased to have led the team to its highest ever finish and the need to push on will surely be a constant talking point over the summer. Yet, Francis will have to look at his own position as well and the number of games he plays as the squad will be stronger next season and the need to bolster the centre-back positions has already been recognised with John Terry shortlisted to join the club.
As well as keeping his place, there should be some ambition to go much further in the cup competitions. Eddie Howe must recognise this as a failure of last season and has to build a squad that is strong enough to compete now in these competitions. The role of Francis will also be important in getting it over to the players that the fans have not enjoyed great cup competitions and the weight has always been one-sided towards doing well in the leagues, whenever the side comes up against a big team in the cups. To go out to lower league teams though is not good for morale and with not so many years for players like Francis to make it to Wembley in a cup competition, it should be an aim that Francis can target - and not simply a Wembley appearance to play Spurs at home.
Francis will also be mindful of the number of clean sheets that the side has achieved and will want to see how many more they can get in a season at this level.
In other news, the Premier League fixtures are announced for the 2017/18 season this Wednesday.
PremierTalk - Will Palace go Dutch for their new manager?
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| Simon Francis has to set himself new goals. |
Simon Francis will surely want to play as many games as he can and although he has had some injury problems, he is usually able to push his appearances well over 30 games. But giving Tyrone Mings and potentially others more games could impact on Francis and his leadership so it will be important for Francis to really lead on the pitch with his performances.
As well as keeping his place, there should be some ambition to go much further in the cup competitions. Eddie Howe must recognise this as a failure of last season and has to build a squad that is strong enough to compete now in these competitions. The role of Francis will also be important in getting it over to the players that the fans have not enjoyed great cup competitions and the weight has always been one-sided towards doing well in the leagues, whenever the side comes up against a big team in the cups. To go out to lower league teams though is not good for morale and with not so many years for players like Francis to make it to Wembley in a cup competition, it should be an aim that Francis can target - and not simply a Wembley appearance to play Spurs at home.
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In other news, the Premier League fixtures are announced for the 2017/18 season this Wednesday.
PremierTalk - Will Palace go Dutch for their new manager?
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